When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to innovator, administrator and ADLIB Steel Orchestra founder Mr. Franklin Mayers

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Franklin Mayers

June 22th


When Steel Talks extends Birthday Greetings to panist Franklin Mayers 

Ellie Mannette with Franklin Mayers of ADLIB Steel Orchestra


Manager – Franklin Mayers

In August of 1989, a group of Caribbean-Americans came together with a vision to promote the musical and cultural education, as well as the overall well being of the youths in the community. Jackson and Harry Headley, Neville Gaskin, Fitz Worrell, and Tony Alverez pooled their resources and their knowledge to form the ADLIB Steel Orchestra. Using handcrafted instruments, a few players and a dedicated musical arranger, the band began to take its first steps toward what would become a full-fledged cultural and educational organization.

Continuing with its focus on the youth, ADLIB Steel Orchestra was able to train one of its young players, who started in the band at the tender age of eight years, to arrange music. In 2007, 17-year-old Andre White led ADLIB to third place in the New York Panorama, competing with much larger bands.

In 2008, again under Andre’s direction, ADLIB finally captured 1st in the New York Panorama, to the delight of the public, which has been cheering us along for many years. ADLIB also captured  1st in 2008 in the two categories of the J’Ouvert competition. 

 
ADLIB Steel Orchestra - “Iron Love”

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